This final discussion looks at the the concept of transformational leadership from a biblical perspective, emphasizing the pivotal role of both leaders and followers in achieving a shared, God-given vision. By examining biblical examples and principles, we will gain a deeper understanding of how to inspire, motivate, and work together effectively within a Christian context. Special attention will be given to the often-overlooked aspect of leaders as followers, highlighting the importance of submission, accountability, and modeling Christ-like behavior in all aspects of leadership.
Week 11 & 12 Lesson Plan: Biblical Transformational Leadership and Followership
We will understand the concept of transformational leadership from a biblical perspective, specifically focusing on the role and characteristics of followers, and the importance of leaders being good followers.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
- What qualities do people admire in a leader?
- What are some challenges leaders face?
- What is transformational leadership? It is a style that inspires and motivates followers to achieve a shared vision and reach their full potential.
- Let’s look at transformational leadership from a biblical perspective, emphasizing the crucial role of followership and the idea that good leaders are also good followers.
Biblical Examples of Transformational Leadership (sort of a recap)
- Look back over the figures that exemplified transformational leadership.
- Moses: (Exodus 3) Focus on how God inspired Moses with a vision (leading Israel out of Egypt) and how Moses, in turn, inspired the people. Discuss how Moses followed God’s instructions, even when they were difficult.
- David: (1 Samuel 16, Psalm 23) Discuss David’s ability to inspire loyalty and courage, and his connection with God that guided his leadership. Emphasize David’s submission to God’s authority and his willingness to learn from his mistakes.
- Nehemiah: (Nehemiah 1-2) Explore Nehemiah’s ability to motivate a group to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, focusing on his vision, planning, and reliance on God. Highlight Nehemiah’s dependence on God’s guidance and his humility in prayer.
- Jesus: (Various Gospels) The ultimate example of transformational leadership. Focus on how Jesus:
- Articulated a compelling vision (the Kingdom of God).
- Inspired His followers to transform their lives.
- Empowered His followers to continue His work.
- Jesus, as the ultimate leader, was also the ultimate follower, submitting to the will of the Father (e.g., John 5:19, John 6:38).
The Role of the Follower in Biblical Transformational Leadership
- Transformational leadership is not solely about the leader; followers play a vital role.
- Let’s look at some aspects of followership in a biblical context:
- Faith and Trust: (Hebrews 11:8, John 6:68-69) Following requires faith in God and trust in the leader’s guidance (when it aligns with God’s will). Abraham trusting God to go to a new land, Peter trusting Jesus.
- Obedience and Submission: (Ephesians 5:21, Hebrews 13:17) Mutual submission in the body of Christ, and the importance of obeying those in leadership, while discerning God’s voice.
- Commitment to the Vision: (Nehemiah 2:18, Acts 2:42) Followers need to embrace the shared vision and be committed to working towards it. The early church’s devotion to the apostles’ teaching.
- Active Participation: (1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Romans 12:4-8) Every follower has a role to play in the body of Christ; followers should use their gifts and talents.
- Courage and Sacrifice: (Daniel 3:16-18, Philippians 2:3-4) Following may require courage to stand up for what is right and a willingness to sacrifice personal comfort for the greater good. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s courage; Jesus’ call to humility and service.
- Accountability and Support: (Hebrews 10:24-25, Galatians 6:1-2) Followers should encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and offer support.
- Leaders as Followers: (1 Corinthians 11:1, 1 Peter 5:1-3) Leaders are also called to be followers. Paul followed Christ and encouraged others to do the same. Elders are to lead by serving as examples to the flock. This involves:
- Submission to God’s Authority: Recognizing that all leaders are ultimately accountable to God.
- Following the Example of Christ: Modeling their leadership after Jesus’ servant leadership.
- Being Accountable to Others: Willingness to receive counsel and correction.
Discussion and Application
- Food for thought:
- What are some practical ways followers can support transformational leaders in a church setting?
- How can leaders cultivate a culture of healthy followership?
- What are some challenges to practicing good followership, and how can they be overcome?
- How does the concept of biblical followership differ from secular views of followership?
- How can we apply the principles of biblical transformational leadership and followership in our daily lives, both within and outside the church?
- How does a leader’s own practice of followership affect their ability to lead?
- What are some examples of leaders who were also good followers in the Bible or in contemporary life?
- How can churches better develop leaders committed to being good followers?
- In the next week, choose one specific way to improve as a follower and, if applicable, as leaders who are also followers in their respective contexts.
Key Verses:
- Hebrews 11:8 (Faith)
- John 6:68-69 (Trust)
- Ephesians 5:21 (Submission)
- Hebrews 13:17 (Obedience)
- Nehemiah 2:18 (Commitment)
- Acts 2:42 (Devotion)
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (Participation)
- Romans 12:4-8 (Gifts)
- Daniel 3:16-18 (Courage)
- Philippians 2:3-4 (Humility)
- Hebrews 10:24-25 (Accountability)
- Galatians 6:1-2 (Support)
- 1 Corinthians 11:1 (Leaders as Followers)
- 1 Peter 5:1-3 (Leaders as Examples)
Discussion Questions:
- What qualities make someone a good follower from a biblical perspective?
- How can followers contribute to the success of a transformational leader?
- What are some potential conflicts between leaders and followers, and how can they be resolved biblically?
- How does Jesus model both leadership and followership?
- In what ways can the principles of biblical followership be applied in your family, workplace, or community?
- How does a leader’s own practice of followership affect their ability to lead?
- What are some examples of leaders who were also good followers in the Bible or in contemporary life?
- How can churches better develop leaders who are also committed to being good followers?
Lead by Faith 